Project Description

Interview with

JEN FRACAS and ANDREW MERKLE

of

EYE ON ATTRACTION

Interviewer: Maggie Sapet

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When you think of the likes of Coheed and Cambria and Paramore, the band that should come to mind is the Philadelphia progressive/alt-rock quartet in Eye on Attraction. The female-fronted outfit is known for their mind-blowing energy and technical proficiency and after a tour with Adelitas Way last year; they released their latest single entitled ‘Pleasantville’.

The band is fast closing in on a decade in the music industry and in their seven years of existence, Eye on Attraction has amassed a well-deserved following that was no doubt helped with tours alongside bands such as The Pretty Reckless and Sevendust.

Recently, Jen Fracas (vocals) and Andrew Merkle (drums) had a chat with AMNplify about all things music and what is to come for this powerhouse four-piece in 2018. Check it out below!

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When and how did the band form?

Andrew: The band started at The University of Scranton, where Joe (bass), Mike (guitar) and Andrew met almost immediately upon arriving on campus in late 2009. That core three have been together ever since, with many different vocalists rotating in and out until Jen joined last year.

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Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Jen: I really got into music when I was going through a really hard time in high school. My mom had just passed away and honestly, if it weren’t for music, I would have been in a really bad place. I picked up the guitar and started learning songs that I really connected with. Beyond that, I’d say my friends in our Scranton music scene inspired me the most to continue to pursue music.

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Who are your main musical influences?

Jen: I admire Coheed and Cambria, The Dear Hunter and Circa Survive. Their songwriting is incredible and they also each have a unique sound, which is what we strive for as well.

Andrew: Coheed and Cambria and Rush are my big two.

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How would you best describe the Eye on Attraction sound?

Jen: Our songs are like flipping through a radio. We make songs we would love to hear. Honestly, if you listen to one of our shows, you’ll get anything from a hard southern rock song to a poppy love song to an ambient dreamy track.

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What is the inspiration behind ‘Pleasantville’?

Jen: “Pleasantville” is our response to what we see in society these days with social media. We all put out this digital version of our perfect selves. Often times we hide our true intentions and personality behind that shiny, glowing façade. Not everyone’s life is picturesque.

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Will we hear new music from Eye on Attraction in 2018?

Jen: Absolutely. 2018 is going to be a big year for us. I’m very excited to unleash some really cool stuff that we’ve been working on. It’s honestly my favorite songs to date.

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What inspires your songwriting?

Andrew: We try very hard to not repeat ourselves. Our songwriting process is methodical and we toss out a lot of song ideas that we feel could end being a rehashing of a song we have already done. We really don’t have a genre, so the songwriting varies greatly from song to song.

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What has been your most memorable career highlight to date?

Jen: It’s not going to seem like a big deal, but having my dad out to see my first show with these guys was very important to me. I’ll always remember it!

Andrew: For me, it was playing a sold-out Best Buy Theater in Times Square. My family got to come out and see me in a huge room, in their home city…it was very memorable.

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What is something you would like to achieve career-wise that you haven’t done yet?

Jen: I think it would be really cool to tour with one of my musical inspirations.

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If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be and why?

Jen: Wembley Stadium. So many great bands have played there. Who could watch a video of Queen or David Bowie performing at Wembley at Live Aid and NOT want to do that?

Andrew: My family is from New York, so I would have to say Madison Square Garden.

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